First Things First: When Can Babies Embark on Air Travel?

While it’s possible to take newborns on a flight just a few days after they’re born, it’s not necessarily advisable. In urgent or emergency circumstances, many airlines allow newborns to travel at just a few days old—but if at all possible, it’s best to wait until they’re physically ready.

Most experts would say the soonest newborns can air travel is around 3 to 6 months old. At this stage, your little one will:

• Be vaccinated – Most parents will have ensured their babies are immunized with the following:
  • Between birth and 2 months – HepB
  • Between 2 and 6 months – RV, DTaP, Hib, PCV13, PCV15, IPV
  • At 6 months – COVID-19 and the flu
• Have stronger lungs – Babies are still developing their lung capacity in their first few months of life. By several months old, your little one’s lungs will be stronger and better equipped to handle the pressurized conditions of an airplane cabin.
• Be less fussy – Colic and general fussiness can make air travel tough on both babies and parents. A few months after they’re born, most babies who struggle with colic are calmer. This means they’ll likely be less vulnerable if air travel disrupts their baby sleep schedules.

Bear in mind that individual airlines have their own policies around allowing young babies on flights. Similarly, international flight regulations when traveling abroad with a newborn may depend on the laws and regulations of your destination country.

Preparing to Take Flight with Your Newborn

Planning for any trip can be anxiety-provoking, but it can be especially nerve-wracking when you’ve got the world’s most precious cargo on board! No matter where you’re traveling, whether you’re taking a domestic flight or an international one, these tips can help you feel confident in your arrangements before you arrive at the airport.

Do Your Research

Start by running your plans by your baby’s pediatrician to ensure it’s safe for them to travel. If your little one has any minor or significant health concerns, their doctor is in the best position to make suggestions surrounding how you can best take care of them on your trip.

They can guide you on:

• What medicines or devices to pack
• How to arrange for prescription fulfillment (if necessary) at your destination
• Locating providers, hospitals, or care centers near your accommodations
• How to handle emergency situations
• How to keep your baby comfortable in unfamiliar environments or climatic conditions

If your baby is cleared for travel, your next step is to reach out to your airline to see what accommodations they normally provide for passengers traveling with a baby. This will also give you the opportunity to communicate any of your family’s unique needs—and ideally, reduce the baggage you’re carrying on as a result!

Choose Newborn-Friendly Flight Arrangements

While it isn’t always possible, you and your little one will have the smoothest sailing possible if you’re able to adapt your travel plans to your newborn’s needs. For the long flight you book, consider these factors:

• Flight time – If your newborn’s sleep schedule is fairly regular, your best bet is to pick flight times that coincide with their baby sleep routine. With that, aim to book a flight that overlaps with their typical nap schedule.
• Seating – The more wiggle room you have in your in-flight airplane seat, the better. Not only will you be able to adjust your position to help soothe your baby, but you’ll have plenty of room to keep their baby bag at arm’s length. If you can’t find an aisle seat when booking, ask a flight attendant if another passenger may be willing and able to offer you theirs when you arrive.
• Direct flights – The quickest distance between two points is a straight line, and the same principle applies to keeping flights low-stress with newborns. Whenever possible, aim to book direct flights to your destination to scale back on time as well as fussiness en route.

Pack Your Carry-On Baby Bag

Be sure to look up your airline’s carry-on restrictions to ensure you can take your little one’s diaper bag on board. This can help you pack smarter, minimize stress, and reduce the chances of having to stow their necessities under the plane.

When packing, keep these newborn travel must-haves top of mind:

• For changing – Diapers, wipes, changing pad, diaper rash cream, disposable bag for used diapers.
• For feeding – Breastmilk or baby formula, spit-up wipes, bottles, and nipples.
• For soothing – A change of clothes for your baby; baby blanket, swaddler, or sleep sack; 2 pairs of baby socks; a pacifier; 1 baby hat.
• For safety – Infant first-aid kit including a baby thermometer; hand sanitizer; antiseptic wipes; baby cream; bandages; tweezers; baby sunscreen; emergency contact information; and any medications or creams as recommended by your pediatrician.
• For playing – Soft books, a favorite stuffed animal, and teethers (if your 6-month-old’s baby teeth have started to show!).

Nailing the essentials is just the first part of preparing a travel diaper bag. To pack like a pro, you’ll also want to be mindful of how you pack your bag. It can help to:

• Keep your baby’s travel documentation in an outside pocket for easy access
• Store essentials that might catch TSA’s attention—like diapers, wipes, bottles, and medications—closer to the outside of your bag to help security checks move more efficiently
• Review any creams, gels, or liquids in your diaper bag to ensure they pass TSA’s 3.4 oz. liquid limit

Prepare to Soothe Your Newborn In-Flight

Whether or not you’re a frequent flier, most people have witnessed the challenge of keeping a baby feeling comfortable and calm on an airplane. If you’re concerned about calming your newborn on the plane, you might try:

• Feeding during take-off – Pressurized air in flightcrafts can be stressful for your baby’s ears. Breast- or bottle-feeding your baby—or offering them a pacifier during take-off and landing—can help relieve discomfort. This is because sucking motions balance some of the air pressure in their Eustachian tubes.
• Taking a stroll down the aisle – If the seatbelt signs are off and your baby is getting fussy, feel free to rock and sway them up and down the aisles in their baby carrier.
• Doing your best to stay calm – A crying baby in the cabin can be immensely stressful for parents, but try your best to stay calm. Your baby closely observes your facial, physical, and tonal cues—singing or speaking in a soothing voice and maintaining a comforting smile may help put them at ease.

For Passports, Plan In Advance

Babies don’t usually need identification for domestic flights (however, having a copy of their birth certificate on hand is always a wise idea!). But if you’re traveling with your little one abroad, you’ll want to leave plenty of time to apply, create, and receive their passport.

Though expedited options are available, it can take up to 14 weeks after submitting your baby’s application to receive their passport. To complete their passport application, you’ll need:

• Your baby’s social security number
• Proof of US citizenship
• Proof of parentage or legal guardianship
• Your government-issued ID (and, if applicable, your partner’s)
• A passport photo

Finally, note that you’ll need some form of parental consent to show your passport office. Acceptable forms of consent include:

• Appearing at the office with your partner
• Providing a notarized form signed by your partner stating that they’ve given you permission to have your child’s passport made

Securing a passport for a baby will run you approximately $115 in total. But if you haven’t had a chance to take their baby photos yet, consider it their first jet-setting glamour shot!

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Air travel aside, parenthood itself is a journey. And the best way to prepare for any great adventure is to learn what to expect in advance with these travel tips.

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